If you’ve been following along, you’ll know I have just 3 weeks to finalize preparations for a 250K ultra-marathon across The Valley of the Whales in Egypt. Fitness training aside, nutrition is an important component of being ready for the race. I will not be reducing my caloric intake or cutting out carbohydrates because 1) I need carbohydrates for energy and 2) I am not trying to lose weight. Rather, I will be cleansing my system to flush all unwanted toxins, perhaps lose 2-3 pounds of body fat, and stock up on essential vitamins and minerals – such as iron. Therefore, my menu will be void of alcohol, refined sugar, caffeine, and most processed foods – except yogurt, milk, and dried fruits. Removing the caffeine will be the largest challenge. Since I am iron deficient (common among female athletes), iron is especially important. Thus, citrus fruits, beans, nuts, leafy greens, red meat when lean, and iron supplements will be a focus. The other focus is getting my body as clean and hydrated as the next three weeks will allow. The following plan still very closely resembles my day-to-day eating plan, built around the principles of ‘clean eating’ http://www.eatcleandiet.com/:

7:00 Wake-up; pre-breakfast I always drink 1 large glass of water (which has been poured the night before and sits on my bedside table so I do not forget) as soon as I am out of bed with 1 antioxidant and 1 multivitamin. This water gets my brain and body moving.

7:15 Breakfast:

1/2 cup uncooked (1 cup when it is cooked) large, rolled oats over the stove-top – not the instant kind – with 1 teaspoon ground flaxseeds, a handful of mixed unsalted almonds and walnuts, approx. 20 blueberries, and a splash of milk